The overall objective of this report is to examine the work of Age & Opportunity within an international context, and to explore its various impacts on age and ageing in Ireland today. The work of Age & Opportunity is assessed in the context of the relevant goals set out by international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in order to encourage older people to live their lives as fully as possible. The report provides a concise summary of some of the key findings arising from research in areas relevant to the work of Age & Opportunity, specifically in regard to the promotion of greater participation by older people in physical activity, the arts, politics, advocacy and peer-led community and voluntary activity.

The programmes of Age & Opportunity have succeeded in providing older people with increased opportunities to participate in physical and cultural activities and programmes as both organisers and participants. Evaluations (in particular of Go for Life, the Bealtaine festival, Ageing with Confidence and Creative Exchanges) show that participants and organisers perceive health and social gains similar to those identified in the research literature.
Research indicates that:
— Promoting increased physical activity among older people leads to physical and psychological health benefits, and that this can lead to substantial savings in health and long-term care costs
— Engaging in creative arts programmes, both in the community and in care settings, can lead to gains in older people’s physical and mental health and may have benefits in terms of social cohesion
— Psycho-social programmes may also lead to psychological and physical benefits to older participants.
More information on Age & Opportunity arts programmes.

Leime, A N., O'Shea,E.(2010)Well into Older Age - Age & Opportunity and the Evidence:what research says about the value of promoting participation of older people. Dubhlin: Age & Opportunity.